Provident Project Kicks Off to Strengthen Infectious Disease Surveillance in Italy

The Provident project (StePs foRward fOr digital and real-time surVeillance of Infectious DiseasEs iN ITaly), co-funded by the European Union, launched today with its kick-off meeting at the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) headquarters. Its goal is to strengthen Italy's infectious disease surveillance capacity by improving preparedness and response to microbiological alerts, promoting timely and complete reporting from laboratories.

The four-year project is coordinated by the ISS. It aims to implement both a platform for exchanging information on microbiological alerts and a platform capable of promptly aggregating laboratory data collected in three pilot regions, serving as a model for all of Italy. The project also includes technical support and training to improve the underreporting of certain infectious diseases and promote system interoperability, all while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical regulations. Once implemented, the Provident project will contribute to protecting against national and international health threats and strengthening the European health system.

"This is one of the ongoing projects on surveillance and research in infectious diseases," emphasized Anna Teresa Palamara, head of the ISS Infectious Diseases Department. "The objective is to combine these two aspects to improve the response to infectious emergencies."